By MUHYIDEEN JIMOH

President Bola Tinubu has approved the removal of Mr Saidu Mohammed as the Authority Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

The President also approved the nomination of Mr Rabiu Umar as the new Chief Executive of the authority, subject to Senate confirmation.

This is contained in a statement issued by Presidential Spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, on Wednesday in Abuja.

The Presidency said the decision was made pursuant to the Petroleum Industry Act 2021.

The move was aimed at strengthening regulatory effectiveness in the midstream and downstream petroleum sector, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Umar is an experienced executive with over 25 years of service across the energy, manufacturing and infrastructure sectors.

He is also credited with a track record in strategic leadership, operational transformation and large-scale project delivery.

Umar studied Accounting at Bayero University and is an alumnus of Harvard Business School.

Pending senate confirmation of the nominee, the most senior official of the authority will oversee operations in acting capacity.

Tinubu thanked the outgoing chief executive for his service and wished him success in future endeavours.

The President reaffirmed commitment to capable leadership in key regulatory institutions to advance energy security, sector reforms and sustainable economic growth. (NAN)